We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them.

Questions about FMLA Laws

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was signed on February 5, 1993, by President Bill Clinton. The law came into effect six months later on August 5, 1993. FMLA requires employers to provide their qualifying employees with job-protected unpaid leave, for medical and family reasons. These reasons include personal or family illness, military service, family military leave, pregnancy, adoption, or foster care of a child. However, the guidelines of FMLA are not always adhered to by employers. The legal interpretations of many provisions and benefits of FMLA can also be misunderstood. This can lead to questions like the ones answered below.

In the state of Arizona what is the law on FMLA termination?

Arizona is considered a back-to-work state, although it may not mean exactly how it sounds. It means that an employee cannot be forced into maintaining a job. An employee can be terminated at any given time for any reason other than what is against the law and discriminatory. For example, firing someone for not illegally disposing hazardous waste would be against the law. It would also be against the law to terminate someone based on race, gender, religion or national origin. It is also considered discriminatory to fire someone who takes FMLA leave. The FMLA is applicable to businesses that employ 50 or more people. An employee of such an organization is entitled to take up to 12 weeks unpaid family medical leave, as long as the employee has been an employee of the organization for over one year and has worked over 1,250 hours in the year before taking FMLA leave.

How does someone get paid for Family Medical Leave?

FMLA is not paid leave. A person approved for FMLA leave does not have paid leave time. Employers have to continue the person’s insurance, but they do not have to pay them a salary during FMLA leave. Many employees mistake FMLA to be a paid leave, resulting in disgruntlement and a feeling of being misled.

Can a pregnant woman working in a hospital as a housekeeper be forced to take FMLA leave?

The employer may be forced to give someone family medical leave if that is the only type that is available to the employee. Employers could also be trying to protect themselves from any complications that could arise from working while pregnant. Being pregnant the employee is also covered by Title VII and the Americans With Disabilities Act, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. As per the provisions of these laws, employees should still be able to work if they can perform their job duties.
This is what an employee should do when faced with this situation: Apprise a local employment lawyer of the situation and seek guidance. Ask the employer: What is the reasoning for insisting on the leave if the doctor says that the pregnant woman can still work? The pregnant employee may also check if the doctor will approve of any of the accommodation that the employer is offering.

What types of illness does the FMLA cover?

Illnesses that are covered by the Family Medical Leave Act include: An illness or injury that leaves the person impaired or physical or mental condition that requires hospitalization, hospice, or a residential medical care facility. If the person needs treatment two or more times by a health care physician. If they are not able to go to school, work or perform other daily activities. If the illness is permanent or long-term, and if it is the result of a treatment that was not effective.

Under the FMLA, what is a public company? Is a doctor’s office considered a public company?

A public company is one that has stocks or other securities issued, such as the DOW and the NASDAC.
Chances are that a doctor’s office is not incorporated as public company. It is most likely considered as an S or LLC. Although it is possible for any business to become “public”, a doctor’s practice would not be likely to benefit from this.
The Family Medical Leave Act, its provisions, benefits, limitations, etc., can be confusing. If you need help determining whether or not you qualify for FMLA leave, or need more details about the requirements of FMLA, it is always best to seek Expert inputs and legal insights.

My shih tzu had severe abdominal pain - at 10 pm at night of course! The DR I spoke to sent me to the ER then we saw our normal vet the next day who did emergency surgery or a strangulated hernia and she's now fine. He followed up with me by phone the next day to check on her. I greatly appreciated the personal contact and follow up. I've used this service in the past and will continue to do so when necessary

I have 2 FMLA leaves. One is for mental health certified by my psychiatrist. They have already disciplined me for absences not covered going back to last January immediately after returning from FMLA and pending certification of a new request. The HR supervisor, after I informed him of a covered doctor's appointment and that I wouldn't be returning to work for the day, then asked how long my appointment was and why I wasn't returning. I have the new FMLA certification, certified in February, that states my appointments are covered up to 4 hours. Can he do that?… Read more

I have questions about FMLA and maternity leave as it relates to coming back to work. My employer is unilaterally changing my schedule to something completely different than I have had for years. … Read more

continuation of previous conversation: I am on FMLA medical as of yesterday. I do know that they have to go through a process. They would first have to coach me, then if I'm not doing what I'm expecte… Read more

I am a teacher and was on FMLA before and after winter break. I was told by Human Resources head that I had to use my sick days because I was unavailable to work even though there was no school. She s… Read more

Recently I was asked to recertify my FMLA. The reason according to the HR person, I had exceeded the number of medical absences allowed within the time allowed per month. I went back to my doctors and… Read more

Hi, my company's practice is to code FMLA leave as "FMLA" in our time-keeping system which is accessible to all other employees in the same department. Is it against the law to do so even though the "… Read more

I am seeking information on FMLA. I have been on FMLA for 3 months and I am expected back on Monday, but my medical issues have not resolved themselves, so I need to quit. Will I have to pay back the … Read more